Ringing in the Holidays: Kelly Clarkson Returns to Perform at NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center
The holiday season is arriving early in New York City as Kelly Clarkson gears up to return to one of television’s most iconic winter traditions: NBC’s annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center tree-lighting special.
Scheduled for broadcast on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, the celebration will feature the Grammy-winning vocalist and daytime host performing live in Midtown Manhattan alongside the lighting of the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Ticketing platform 1iota confirmed her headline participation, followed by a special behind-the-scenes invitation posted directly to Clarkson’s social channels.
A Behind-the-Scenes Invitation for Fans
On October 19, Clarkson delighted followers by offering fans an exclusive peek into the production process:
-
Open Rehearsal Access: Clarkson shared an announcement on Instagram inviting select fans to attend her pre-broadcast rehearsals, captioning the post:“The holiday season just got even brighter! Join us for a special rehearsal by @kellyclarkson for Christmas in Rockefeller Center!”
-
Fan Reaction: The announcement sparked an immediate scramble on ticketing services, with followers expressing excitement across social media—calling it a dream holiday event and rushing to secure in-person access.
Modern Queen of Holiday Pop
Over the past decade, Clarkson has cemented herself alongside Mariah Carey as a cornerstone of the modern holiday music canon:
-
Wrapped in Red (2013): Her debut Christmas album produced the runaway smash hit “Underneath the Tree”, which has become an enduring holiday radio staple and streaming chart powerhouse year after year.
-
When Christmas Comes Around… (2021): Her follow-up seasonal release featured acclaimed duets and festive anthems, further expanding her dedicated Christmas catalog.
Continuing a Rockefeller Center Tradition
The upcoming December performance marks a continuing relationship between Clarkson and NBC’s marquee winter broadcast:
-
Hosting & Performing Legacy: Clarkson previously served as both host and featured performer during the 2023 and 2024 specials, anchoring the live telecast with her signature vocal range and easy humor.
-
Lighting the Tree: During the 2024 ceremony, she went viral on TikTok with a comedic look at the choreography required to assist in flipping the switch on the tree, quipping that “practice makes perfect.”
With rehearsals underway and her return to Midtown officially confirmed, Clarkson’s appearance on December 2 promises to anchor another festive kickoff to the New York holiday season.
